Choco Mucho kicks off Eya Laure era with a sweeping win over Akari

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans began their highly anticipated Eya Laure era with a convincing win over the Akari Chargers, 25–17, 25–23, 25–20, during the opening game day of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Jan. 31, 2026, at the Playtime FilOil Centre.

A month after shocking the Philippine volleyball scene by winning the Laure sweepstakes, the Flying Titans proved the hype was worth it as the former Chery Tiggo superstar returned as if she never left the PVL for nearly two years.

Laure was all over the place in the win, delivering an efficient all-around Choco Mucho debut with 11 points built on eight attacks, nine excellent receptions, two service aces and one block.

Upon entering the court, Laure received a warm ovation from the crowd, shared several pumped-up moments with her Choco Mucho teammates, and admitted she missed the loud cheers and vibrant atmosphere of a PVL game.

However, much of the postgame buzz centered on her reunion with former UST teammate Sisi Rondina, who also made her PVL return after shifting her focus to the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball national team.

Rondina was away for nearly eight months but provided the expected impact for the Ube Nation with 16 points from 14 attacks, one block and one service ace.

Choco Mucho took care of business in Sets 1 and 3 with ease but was pushed to the brink when the Chargers built a 17–11 lead in the second set.

The Flying Titans roared back through Rondina’s offensive prowess, supported by Laure’s clutch hits, as Choco Mucho closed the set with a demoralizing 14–5 run.

In the final five points of the tightly contested second set, Rondina iced the frame with a pair of thunderous back-row hits before sealing the 2–0 lead with a service ace.

Also stepping up for the Flying Titans were Lorraine Pecana and Jaila Atienza, who accounted for eight of Choco Mucho’s 11 total blocks.

Deanna Wong made life easier for Rondina and Laure with 11 excellent sets, while star libero Thang Ponce delivered nine excellent digs.

The Flying Titans will look to sustain their momentum on Feb. 5, 2026, when they face the Cignal Super Spikers, while Akari seeks its first win on Feb. 12 against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.